The Prevalence and Odds of Depression in Patients with Vitiligo: a Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study is to provide a pooled estimate of the prevalence and odds of depression in Vitiligo patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases was conducted. The proportions and mean questionnaire values for depression were pooled according to different evaluation methods. In controlled studies, odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) compared depression in vitiligo patients with healthy controls.

Results

One thousand nine hundred and sixty-five patients were identified from 20 eligible cohorts to be included in the present meta-analysis review. Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 308 for each analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression across 17 unique populations (n = 1,711) was 29% (95% CI 20 - 39). The prevalence of clinical depression was 8% (95%CI 2-14%) using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV) or International Classification of Diseases codes-10 (ICD 10 and the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 33% (95%CI: 23-44%) using validated screening inventory and rating scales. Vitiligo patient were 4.96 times more likely to display depression compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depression in Asian and female vitiligo patients were significantly higher than those in Caucasian and male ones. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher (56%, 95%CI: 0.5-0.62) and the heterogeneity was lowering cases with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) questionnaire when compared with other questionnaires.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis review indicates that the prevalence of depression is high in vitiligo patients. The HDRS questionnaire may be the most sensitive tool for testing the depressive symptoms among vitiligo patients.

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